Request for Proposals PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR DRINKING WATER, WASTEWATER AND STORMWATER PROJECTS OPEN-END CONTRACTS 2016-18
Page 2 of 8 1. INTRODUCTION Capital Region Water (CRW) is requesting proposals for professional engineering, planning and related consultant services from qualified firms for the planning, design, management, oversight and support of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects on an as required basis for Capital Region Water (CRW). While the term proposal is used interchangeably with qualifications package, the materials requested of respondents are of a more general nature consistent with qualifications. Detailed scope and fee proposals will be required of selected firms once assignments are issued following this procurement. Final selection of firms will be quality-based. 2. SCHEDULE FOR PROPOSAL PROCESS Task Date RFP Issued Questions/Clarification Requests Due to CRW December 22, 2015 @ 2 PM EST Addenda Issued (if necessary) December 23, 2015 Proposals Due January 7, 2016 by 2 PM EST Interview and Selection Period January 18-20, 2016 Selection of Consultants January 27, 2016 3. GENERAL INFORMATION INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Capital Region Water owns and operates the municipal water systems that serve the City of Harrisburg including drinking water, wastewater and stormwater. A significant portion of these systems were constructed over 100-years ago, and infrastructure needs are consistent with expectations for a system of this age. Drinking Water System: 15-MGD Surface Water Appropriation (Clarks Creek and Susquehanna River) 6-BG Raw Water Reservoir 20-MGD Conventional Filtration Facility 40-MG Finished Water Storage 250-mi Distribution Network Combined Wastewater System: 45-MGD Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (BNR Upgrade Complete 2/2016) Two Major Wastewater Pumping Stations 13-mi. Combined Interceptors (59 Permitted Combined Sewer Overflow sites) 135-mi. Collection System 3,600-Manholes 4,200-Inlets/Catch Basins
Page 3 of 8 Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4): Limited Data on Separate Storm (estimated 20% of City / 80% Combined) Respondents can find (and are strongly encouraged to review) more detailed information on CRW s website, specifically within our Consulting Engineer s Annual Reports. http://capitalregionwater.com/investorkit/#sthash.jlnl1sh8.dpbs CRW is in the process of developing a Geographic Information System (GIS). We estimate data collection is approaching 90% complete and are transitioning system administration from a consultant to internal staff. CRW is also in the process of implementing Cityworks as a CMMS and asset management platform. Field crews have been using Cityworks since late October 2015. CRW is also engaged in the process of developing an internal asset management policy and implementation plan. CRW is party to a Partial Consent Decree with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) to address wet weather compliance issues. That document established a compliance schedule for the development of a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) Update and associated work. CRW recently completed 12-months of flow and rainfall monitoring in support of H/H model development, and we are in the process of developing a Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) master plan. The LTCP and GSI planning are being coordinated, as CRW intends to incorporate GSI practices into its long term strategies to control wet weather impacts on infrastructure, receiving waters, and the community as a whole. CRW is also working closely with the City of Harrisburg as they update their comprehensive plan to ensure that our efforts are collaborative. CRW is also engaged in the design of two major facility projects: Front Street (Combined Sewage) Pumping Station Upgrade and a Screening Facility for HAWTF both of which are scheduled to be publicly bid in for construction 2016. 4. PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS SCOPE OF WORK CRW intends to select a retained engineer and approximately three firms in each of the three service areas outlined below. Depending on the response, CRW may select between one and four firms. The selected Retained Engineer will support all CRW activities as outlined in the description that follows. Only one Retained Engineer will be selected. CRW will select multiple (targeting three, but may be between one and four) firms for each of the other assignment categories. Work assignments for firms selected in the other three categories will be scoped and awarded based on need. Firms can develop insight into the number, type, estimated value and schedule of assignments by reviewing CRW s 2016 budget and 2015 Consulting Engineers Annual Reports (http://capitalregionwater.com/investor-kit/#sthash.jlnl1sh8.dpbs).
Page 4 of 8 CRW intends to distribute assignments evenly to the selected firms within each service category over the term of the engagement, but all parties shall agree by participating in this solicitation that practical realities may conspire against such an equitable distribution. CRW also reserves the right to make assignment decisions in order to serve the best interests of rate payers whether that be value of work, delivery schedule, etc. If qualified, firms may submit proposals for consideration in multiple service areas with the following exception. The firm selected as retained engineer will not be selected for consideration of work in the service areas. This is to avoid potential conflicts of interest, as CRW may rely on the retained engineer as a program manager or independent reviewer. RETAINED ENGINEER (One Firm) The retained engineer will provide regular engineering support to CRW staff including regular meeting attendance, support of CRW internal and external planning and budgeting (Chapter 94 Report, CEAR, etc.), independent review of design work and cost estimates, program management and value engineering. In addition, the retained engineer will execute all minor planning, design and support services as determined by CRW. The annual value of services shall not exceed $250,000 without authorization by the board. An example of typical design work would be minor water main replacement. SERVICE AREAS The three service areas for which CRW will shortlist firms are: WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS (As many as Four Firms) Design, bidding, construction management (including oversight) and operational support of piping and facilities improvements as determined by CRW. Likely work may include but not be limited to: Pumping Station Upgrades Treatment and Storage Facilities Improvements Pipeline Rehabilitation/Replacement Impoundment Adequacy Evaluation GIS & ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SUPPORT (As many as Four Firms) Professional support for the development, expansion and administration of CRW s GIS and Asset Management program. Work may include general consulting, programming, training, procurement and oversight of additional phases of data collection and integration as well as any other system needs. URBAN DESIGN AND PLANNING (As many as Four Firms) Professional planning and design support, primarily focused on GSI and urban planning. Work may include watershed plan development, GSI development and O&M training support, stormwater planning and development plan reviews. Work may also include support of community and stakeholder (City of Harrisburg, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, etc.) outreach efforts.
Page 5 of 8 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS Addenda Any necessary additions or corrections to this RFP will be made by addenda, and issued to all proposers of record. Addenda become part of the RFP, and must be acknowledged by each proposer; failure to acknowledge any addenda shall not relieve proposers of compliance with the terms thereof. CRW assumes no responsibility for oral instructions. Economy of Preparation Proposals should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of proposer ability to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. Incurred Expenses Proposers are responsible for proposal preparation and submission costs, as well as travel costs incurred in connection with oral presentations if required or other pre-award discussions or activities. Contractor Responsibilities; Subcontractors CRW will enter into a contract with the selected proposer only, and that proposer shall be responsible for all products and services required by the RFQ. Subcontractors, if any, must be approved by CRW prior to engagement, after review of a complete description of their role relative to the proposer. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Participation By responding to this RFQ, the proposer agrees to comply with CRW s DBE policy at the time of each work engagement. At present CRW is in the process of developing a major update to its DBE policy, therefore the proposer shall assume all work will have a minimum DBE participation requirement of 10%. Actual participation levels will be established and adjusted in accordance with CRW board action. Conflicts of Interest The proposer shall identify any actual or potential conflicts of interest that exist, or which may arise if the proposer is recommended for award, and propose how such conflicts might be resolved. Acceptance Time By submitting a proposal under this solicitation, the proposer agrees that CRW has within 90 days after the due date in order to accept the proposal. CRW reserves the right to reject, as unacceptable, any proposal that specifies less than 90 days of acceptance time. Upon mutual agreement between the CRW and the proposer, the acceptance time for the proposal may be extended.
Page 6 of 8 Billing and Payment The successful proposer shall keep accurate, document records of time, material and transportation allocable to this contract. Payment will be made on a monthly basis, and related records will be available for audit purposes during normal business hours, as often as deemed necessary. Payment will only be made for work that has first been previously authorized with within CRW approval. Applicable Standards/Guidelines The Consultant is required to perform all services in accordance with generally accepted standards of professional practice, in accordance with CRW Design Guidelines, and in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and local codes in effect at the time of these services. Licensed Professional Requirements All construction drawings shall be sealed and signed by a registered professional engineer, surveyor, architect, and/or landscape architect licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as required by law. If required by CRW, specifications, reports and computations shall be stamped and signed by a professional engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Boundary Surveys, Easement Plats, Record Plats and As-built documents shall be signed and sealed by a Pennsylvania licensed property surveyor. 6. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS Interested firms shall submit a proposal package highlighting specific experience and resources that qualify them to deliver the services required by CRW. Firms are encouraged to creatively convey their statement of qualifications, but all packages must address the following requirements within the noted page limitations. Again, if qualified, firms may submit a separate proposal packages for consideration in multiple service areas. VISION/UNDERSTANDING (limit to 2 pages) Provide a brief understanding of CRW s needs with an explanation of why the respondent s firm is better equipped to address those needs than their competitors are. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS (limit to 10 pages) Describe firm s experience and qualifications providing similar services as required by this RFP. Information should include: Brief history and description of the firm. At least three (3) relevant projects with descriptions and reference information. Any additional information which would serve to distinguish the project team from other firms submitting proposals such as any special expertise or experience of the firm, etc.
Page 7 of 8 PROJECT TEAM (limit to 3 pages) Provide a specific organizational chart identifying all team members and summarizing their roles for the project. Project Management The Consultant shall identify their designated project manager who will serve as the day-to-day point of contact with CRW. Briefly describe how the project manager will lead the project and identify which of the representative experience projects were managed by the proposed project manager. Prior experience successfully executing similar projects is required. Project Team Resumes Submit a 1-page resume for key project team members in an appendix. Note: If selected, the consultant may not change the staffing assigned to the project without approval by CRW. However, approval will not be denied if the staff replacement is determined by CRW to be of equal ability or experience to the predecessor. CRW may consider changes in key staff as cause to limit assignments. REFERENCE LETTERS Provide three (3) reference letters from clients who received services similar in scope to the requirements of this RFP. BILLING RATES Provide a fee schedule of hourly rates for all personnel identified as part of the project team. Also provide an expected distribution of time (by percentage) that each personnel class will contribute to the work. 7. SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATION AND PROPOSALS Proposals must be received by 2:00pm on January 7, 2016. Respondents shall clearly identify on their submittal envelope, email subject line and within the text of their proposal, for which position they are responding. Any respondent applying for multiple positions shall submit a separate proposal package for each position. If CRW wishes to conduct interviews selected firms will be notified by January 11, 2016. Interested firms should prepare to participate in interviews on January 19 th or 20 th, 2016. Submit three (3) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of the information requested per submittal. The electronic copy shall be a PDF file type and 8.5 x11 format. The electronic copy is to be submitted via email to david.stewart@capitalregionwater.com or on a thumb drive to: Attn: Dave Stewart Director of Engineering Capital Region Water 212 Locust Street, Suite 500 Harrisburg, PA 17101
Page 8 of 8 8. SELECTION CRITERIA Evaluation and selection of proposals will be based on content and responsiveness to all proposal requirements. CRW reserves the right to require any firm to submit additional information deemed necessary in evaluating the proposals. It is estimated that the assignment will be award at the January 27, 2016 CRW Board of Directors meeting. SCORING Upon receipt of the Proposals, CRW will score the technical aspects of the prospective Consultant project team based upon the following criteria: Technical Information Weight Vision/Understanding 20 Experience/Qualifications 25 Project Team/Project Management 25 Understanding of Local Issues 10 Overall Proposal Quality 10 Rate Schedule 10 INTERVIEW After review of the proposals, CRW may conduct one-hour interviews (30-min presentation, 30 min question/answer period) with firms if necessary to make final decisions prior to recommending award to CRW s Board. 10. GENERAL TERMS CRW reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to select the proposal(s) that it determines to be in the best interest of CRW. The contract is subject to the approval of CRW s Board of Directors and is effective only upon their approval. Proposals will remain effective for CRW review and approval for 90 days from the submission deadline. The proposer is encouraged to add to, modify or clarify any scope of work items it deems appropriate to develop a high quality proposal that delivers the greatest value to CRW. All changes shall be explicitly listed and explained. However, the scope of work proposed must accomplish the goals and work stated in the RFP.